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Highland study benefits economy

21 August 2012

Issued by the Scottish Government

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will boast record numbers of students and generate an estimated £22.5 million into the economy after the Scottish Government invested £5.5 million to fund 1,000 additional places.

The extra places were created as part of the Scottish Government's commitment to ensure every 16 to 19 year old in Scotland has a place in learning or education.

The economic value has been evidenced by an independent report showing that every £1 invested in UHI returns £4 to the Scottish economy.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

"UHI is able to offer world class facilities to every student that takes up a place of study in the North of Scotland.

"As our newest institution, it is exciting, vibrant and forward thinking. It is also priceless for the economic development of the north.

"We have funded an additional 1,000 places through the Scottish Funding Council at UHI and with every pound spent on UHI generating a return of four times that amount for the Scottish economy. This is clearly money well spent.

"And that is before the students even graduate. With an excellent qualification, UHI students will be in an excellent position to take their place at the heart of Scotland's economy in the coming years.

"With places still available for Scottish students at UHI and other universities, students in the clearing system still have a number of study options without needing to look elsewhere."

Summary results of the report:

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) contributes £191m every year to the Scottish economy and supports 3,300 full time jobs, according to a new independent economic impact assessment.

Scotland's newest university also helps to sustain a further contribution of £202m every year and 2,700 jobs through the further education provision of the 13 academic partners and research institutions in the partnership.

The report 'Economic impact of the University of the Highlands and Islands and its academic partners' showed that for every £1 invested in UHI, the university put back nearly £4 into the Scottish economy.